Andrei Kirilenko Says Durant and Kobe are Harder to Guard Than LeBron

According to Andrei Kirilenko, LeBron James’ unselfishness makes him a slightly easier cover than, say, Kobe Bryant or Kevin Durant (who are much more interested in scoring.) Per the NY Post: “So as Kirilenko is set to make his Nets debut Friday night in the team’s home opener against the two-time defending champion Heat, he was asked whether LeBron James is the toughest player he has ever been asked to take on. ‘He’s definitely one of those guys who is tough to guard,’ Kirilenko said after Thursday’s practice. ‘I wouldn’t say he’s the toughest to guard 1-on-1, but he’s definitely in that category.’ So, if not James, then who? ‘For me, personally? I would say Kevin Durant and Kobe [Bryant], because they’re very motivated to play with the ball,’ Kirilenko said. ‘LeBron is way unselfish, and he will pass it as soon as the guy is open. Kevin and Kobe, unless the guy is wide open, like wide open and ready to shoot, they will keep going at you. They’ll keep going at you. That’s why it makes it harder to play against those guys.’ Kirilenko, who has been dealing with back spasms since playing in the second preseason game against Detroit on Oct. 12, went through a complete workout Thursday during practice and said he should be ready to go Friday night against the Heat.”